Sportblog + Indianapolis Colts | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog+indianapolis-colts
Indexen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2016Sat, 10 Dec 2016 05:50:57 GMT2016-12-10T05:50:57Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2016The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
Andrew Luck shows he is still a quarterback for crunch timehttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/07/andrew-luck-indianapolis-colts-nfl-green-bay-packers
<p>The Indianapolis Colts QB has had an up and down year but against the Green Bay Packers he showed why he is still a prized asset</p><p>Take two quarterbacks. QB1 throws for 281 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. QB2 throws for 297 yards, three scores and one pick. You can figure out what happens by the setup: the second QB trailed by as many as 18 points, and never got a chance to drive for the winning score in a 31-26 loss.</p><p>Andrew Luck was that first quarterback. Aaron Rodgers was the second. Both teams continued to struggle in their Week 9 game, but the Colts held on to beat the Packers after building a big lead.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/06/travis-kelce-kansas-city-chiefs-ejected-throwing-towel-nfl">Pittsburgh Steelers kicker fails miserably at NFL's version of a rabona</a> </p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When your friend from Pittsburgh tries to make fun of Philadelphia <a href="https://t.co/o9ceuENug0">pic.twitter.com/o9ceuENug0</a></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I had a decent angle of that Travis Kelce ejection. He was livid he didn't get a pass interference call. Throws his towel <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiefs?src=hash">#Chiefs</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tdx9BHlUGH">pic.twitter.com/Tdx9BHlUGH</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/07/andrew-luck-indianapolis-colts-nfl-green-bay-packers">Continue reading...</a>NFLIndianapolis ColtsGreen Bay PackersUS sportsSportMon, 07 Nov 2016 12:43:53 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/07/andrew-luck-indianapolis-colts-nfl-green-bay-packersPhotograph: Benny Sieu/USA Today SportsPhotograph: Benny Sieu/USA Today SportsDan McQuade2016-11-07T12:43:53ZNFL Week 3 predictions: will Trevor Siemian grind out another win?https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/sep/23/nfl-week-3-predictions-denver-broncos-cincinnati-bengals
<p>The Broncos look to continue their flawless title defense, while the Falcons look to soar in the Superdome. Plus, take part in our tipping contest</p><p>What a week it has been in the NFL. First we learned that the Vikings might not have been crazy to trade for Sam Bradford, then that Matt Forte does an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BKmZXGOh31e/">alarmingly good Arnold Schwarzenegger impression</a>. I would ask who could ever have predicted such a thing, but in fact I already know the answer - <strong>grafhamboy</strong> - the one and only person to call every game correctly in week two. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/22/new-england-patriots-houston-texans-nfl-game-report">Patriots make light of Brady and Garoppolo absences to beat Texans</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/sep/23/nfl-week-3-predictions-denver-broncos-cincinnati-bengals">Continue reading...</a>NFLSportUS sportsPeyton ManningDenver BroncosCincinnati BengalsOakland RaidersTennessee TitansBaltimore RavensJacksonville JaguarsNew York JetsKansas City ChiefsSan Diego ChargersIndianapolis ColtsAtlanta FalconsNew Orleans SaintsFri, 23 Sep 2016 08:30:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/sep/23/nfl-week-3-predictions-denver-broncos-cincinnati-bengalsPhotograph: Ron Chenoy/USA Today SportsPhotograph: Ron Chenoy/USA Today SportsPaolo Bandini2016-09-23T08:30:00ZThe Patriots' offense is fine without Tom Brady – it's defense that's the worryhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/sep/19/new-england-patriots-offense-defense-jimmp-garopollo-injury
<p>Jimmy Garopollo’s injury may end up being merely a temporary setback for the New England Patriots, but they are far from perfect<br></p><p>For most of the first half, it looked like the New England Patriots had discovered their Next Tom Brady. OK, that may be a stretch, but it at least looked like they had found a player they could sell as a potential Next Tom Brady to one of the many quarterback-starved teams once the Actual Tom Brady returned from his four week league-mandated vacation. In his second game as a starter, Jimmy Garoppolo went 18-for-27, passing for 234 yards as the Patriots built up a 21-0 lead over the Miami Dolphins. Garoppolo, coming off New England’s huge Week 1 road win over the Arizona Cardinals, was once again putting in an impressive showing without the help of Rob Gronkowski, who missed his straight game with a hamstring injury.</p><p>Then, shortly before half-time, Garoppolo <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000704364/article/jimmy-garoppolo-injures-shoulder-in-patriots-win">went down</a> with a shoulder injury after a hard hit from Kiko Alonso. He would not return, meaning that it was up to rookie third-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett to finish the game. Capitalizing on Garoppolo’s absence, Miami quarterback Ryan Tannenhill lead his team to a near-comeback in the second half, one only snuffed in the game’s final seconds when his attempt at a game-tying touchdown was intercepted by Duron Harmon. The Patriots held on to a 31-24 victory in their home opener, but they made it far closer than it probably should have been. <br></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/19/sam-bradford-minnesota-vikings-green-bay-packers-adrian-peterson">Sam Bradford stars as Vikings beat Packers but Adrian Peterson injures knee</a> </p><p>“NFL games I played stoned were some of the best games I ever played.” - former NFL offensive lineman Eben Britton</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/sep/18/miami-dolphins-players-protest-police-union-nfl">Dolphins sit out anthem after police union says they have forfeited free speech</a> </p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An EXTREMELY dapper Cam Newton is at the podium <br><br>Watch LIVE: <a href="https://t.co/ZWRWDfTKoJ">https://t.co/ZWRWDfTKoJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/y6adSd8Q6u">pic.twitter.com/y6adSd8Q6u</a></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Matthew Stafford doesn't get hit, he gives hits. <a href="https://t.co/KMtHROH5qN">https://t.co/KMtHROH5qN</a> <a href="https://t.co/0qbPkKdYi1">pic.twitter.com/0qbPkKdYi1</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/sep/19/new-england-patriots-offense-defense-jimmp-garopollo-injury">Continue reading...</a>NFLNew England PatriotsSportUS sportsMiami DolphinsDetroit LionsCleveland BrownsDenver BroncosTennessee TitansCarolina PanthersNew York JetsBuffalo BillsLos Angeles RamsSeattle SeahawksIndianapolis ColtsMinnesota VikingsGreen Bay PackersMon, 19 Sep 2016 09:00:42 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/sep/19/new-england-patriots-offense-defense-jimmp-garopollo-injuryPhotograph: Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesHunter Felt2016-09-19T09:00:42ZAndrew Luck watches as Cam Newton and Russell Wilson ride into distancehttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/jun/28/andrew-luck-indianapolis-colts-nfl
<p>Considering how he has played, there is not an NFL player with more pressure to perform in 2016 than the Colts quarterback and he knows it</p><p>The Deflategate drama feels like it began an eternity ago. Yet in the nearly 18 months since that 45-7 Patriots victory over the Colts in the AFC title game started the ordeal, two things have remained constant: 1) Roger Goodell and Tom Brady continue to squabble over PSI and cell phones; and 2) Andrew Luck hasn’t played a good football game. </p><p>While the former could cost Brady hundreds of thousands if his latest four-game suspension is upheld, the latter could see Luck lose tens of millions if he doesn’t show improvement in 2016, his final season before hitting free agency. The long-presumed notion that the former No1 overall pick would easily become the highest-paid player in NFL history is no longer a guarantee if he continues to struggle and slides farther behind Cam Newton and Russell Wilson on the list of the league’s top young QBs. </p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dearest Martha, <br>Again defeated by the Pats.Our newest 2 man tactic has failed, all is lost, Sell the farm<br>Gen Luck <a href="http://t.co/5Qgthud6mQ">pic.twitter.com/5Qgthud6mQ</a></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jun/23/you-didnt-play-to-get-rich-what-killed-nfl-europe">'You didn't play to get rich': what killed NFL Europe?</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/jun/07/new-york-jets-ryan-fitzpatrick-contract-dispute-nfl">Life's too short for Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Jets to settle for each other</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/jun/28/andrew-luck-indianapolis-colts-nfl">Continue reading...</a>Indianapolis ColtsNFLUS sportsSportTue, 28 Jun 2016 11:29:48 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/jun/28/andrew-luck-indianapolis-colts-nflPhotograph: Brett Carlsen/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Brett Carlsen/Getty ImagesDJ Gallo2016-06-28T11:29:48ZPeyton Manning retires – and ends the world's most exhausting hagiography | Dave Schillinghttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/mar/08/peyton-manning-retires-career
<p>The Super Bowl winner might have lost his ability to throw a tight spiral, but he’s never lost his skills at promoting himself and his endorsements</p><p>In the end, Peyton Manning only fielded one question about the lingering <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/15/explained-why-assault-allegations-against-peyton-manning-have-resurfaced">sexual assault allegations</a> surrounding his time at the University of Tennessee. He ended his answer to that question during <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/07/peyton-manning-confirms-retirement-nfl-denver-broncos">Monday’s retirement</a> announcement <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/07/peyton-manning-confirms-retirement-nfl-denver-broncos">with a quote from Forrest Gump</a> — a cloyingly sentimental film about a whimsical hillbilly possessed of a preternatural talent for football and an ingratiatingly uncomplicated view of life. I wouldn’t say Peyton is Gump-esque, but there are certain parallels that gave me cause for a chuckle during his self-aggrandizing public celebration. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/07/peyton-manning-confirms-retirement-nfl-denver-broncos">Peyton Manning confirms NFL retirement, responds to assault claims</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/mar/07/peyton-manning-retires-nfl-career-tribute">Everyman and superman: Sundays won't be the same without Peyton Manning</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/mar/08/peyton-manning-retires-career">Continue reading...</a>Peyton ManningNFLIndianapolis ColtsDenver BroncosUS sportsSportTue, 08 Mar 2016 10:00:19 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/mar/08/peyton-manning-retires-careerPhotograph: David Zalubowski/APPhotograph: David Zalubowski/APDave Schilling2016-03-08T10:00:19ZEveryman and superman: Sundays won't be the same without Peyton Manninghttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/mar/07/peyton-manning-retires-nfl-career-tribute
<p>Manning’s statistical achievements were tempered by his postseason frailty, but no one better embodied the NFL’s evolution into a passing league<br></p><p>For a man whose career was built in significant part on his preternatural capacity for making quick decisions, Peyton Manning sure took his time <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/06/peyton-manning-to-retire-from-nfl-denver-broncos">over the last one</a>.</p><p> To those of us watching from the outside, it was obvious that Super Bowl 50 should be his final stand. <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/07/super-bowl-50-denver-broncos-defense-overwhelms-carolina-panthers">The Broncos’ 24-10 victory over Carolina</a> would allow one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time to ride off into the sunset as a champion, at the end of a season when it had once appeared that his old and battered body might instead need to be forcibly led out to pasture.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/06/peyton-manning-to-retire-from-nfl-denver-broncos">Peyton Manning to retire from the NFL, Denver Broncos confirm</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/mar/07/peyton-manning-retires-nfl-career-tribute">Continue reading...</a>NFLDenver BroncosIndianapolis ColtsSportUS sportsPeyton ManningMon, 07 Mar 2016 11:00:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/mar/07/peyton-manning-retires-nfl-career-tributePhotograph: Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesPaolo Bandini2016-03-07T11:00:02ZPackers get huge win but their weaknesses have been exposedhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/nov/23/packers-get-huge-win-but-their-weaknesses-have-been-exposed
<p>The Green Bay Packers broke their three game losing streak at just the right time after defeating the Minnesota Vikings, but that doesn’t mean that the NFC North is settled<br></p><p><br>The timing couldn’t have been better. The Green Bay Packers broke their three game losing steak on Sunday, <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400791677">defeating</a> the Minnesota Vikings 30-13 at TCF Bank Stadium. The much-needed victory increased their record to 7-3, putting them on top of the NFC North over their divisional rivals thanks to the head-to-head tiebreaker.</p><p>Clearly relieved after the game, head coach Mike McCarthy <a href="http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/article-game-recap/article-1/Big-win-for-Packers-All-better-now/425e1998-d713-42c7-adc0-89467efeba3f">praised</a> his entire team, “I feel very good about how we played in all three phases. We got back to playing the style of football we like to play.”<br></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dontari Poe weighs 346 lbs &amp; is now, officially: The heaviest player to ever score an offensive touchdown. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KCvsSD?src=hash">#KCvsSD</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZXBYiqCVT2">https://t.co/ZXBYiqCVT2</a></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Washington's day is off to a stellar start: <a href="https://t.co/qap7QeOc4i">pic.twitter.com/qap7QeOc4i</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/nov/23/packers-get-huge-win-but-their-weaknesses-have-been-exposed">Continue reading...</a>Green Bay PackersMinnesota VikingsNFLWashingtonCarolina PanthersTampa Bay BuccaneersDenver BroncosNew England PatriotsBaltimore RavensUS sportsSportSan Diego ChargersKansas City ChiefsCincinnati BengalsPhiladelphia EaglesDallas CowboysIndianapolis ColtsArizona CardinalsMon, 23 Nov 2015 09:00:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/nov/23/packers-get-huge-win-but-their-weaknesses-have-been-exposedPhotograph: Bruce Kluckhohn/USA Today SportsPhotograph: Bruce Kluckhohn/USA Today SportsHunter Felt2015-11-23T09:00:04ZPeyton Manning, the consummate record-breaker, was not always a sure thinghttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/nov/15/peyton-manning-nfl-passing-yards-record
<p>The No1 draft pick in 1998 struggled in his first season, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, but there were signs that greatness would come</p><p>Before all the Super Bowls, the MVPs and the all-time passing-yardage record, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/nov/15/peyton-manning-breaks-brett-favres-passing-record-to-confirm-place-among-greats">which he broke on Sunday afternoon</a>, Peyton Manning threw a touchdown on his first NFL pass. No one should be surprised it went to his favorite target: Marvin Harrison.</p><p>This was in the summer of 1998, and as brilliant as it was, the touchdown did not count – not officially, anyway – since it came on the first drive of the Indianapolis Colts’ first pre-season game that summer. But because his first official pass completion was an unremarkable 15-yard throw to running back Marshall Faulk in the regular-season opener against Miami, the pre-season pass is the one people tend to remember, if for no other reason than it was the perfect launching point for his career.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/nov/03/nfl-golden-era-tom-brady-peyton-manning">This is a golden era of NFL quarterbacks. Enjoy it – because the next generation is bad</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/nov/15/peyton-manning-nfl-passing-yards-record">Continue reading...</a>Peyton ManningNFLIndianapolis ColtsSportUS sportsSun, 15 Nov 2015 21:47:57 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/nov/15/peyton-manning-nfl-passing-yards-recordPhotograph: Jack Dempsey/APPhotograph: Jack Dempsey/APLes Carpenter2015-11-15T21:47:57ZThe class of 2012 learned to be stars rather than quarterbackshttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/nov/05/the-class-of-2012-learned-to-be-stars-rather-than-quarterbacks
<p>The likes of RG III and Andrew Luck were supposed to rule the league for years to come. But were they given enough time to adapt to the professional game?</p><p>They were the future who came ready to play straight from the box. No training. No learning. No need to study the complexities of professional football. It was 2012 and the NFL had its next big quarterback stars all fresh and fast and different. They wouldn’t have to adjust to the league, the league was going to adjust to them.<br></p><p>And so in the autumn of Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck and Colin Kaepernick and Russell Wilson the game was to be forever changed by quarterbacks who ran and threw and did things that no one else could. The professional game was not going to be a mystery to them because what they did would circumvent the pro game as it had been played for decades before their arrival.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/nov/03/nfl-golden-era-tom-brady-peyton-manning">This is a golden era of NFL quarterbacks. Enjoy it – because the next generation is bad</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/nov/04/quarterback-colin-kaepernick-officially-benched-by-49ers-coach-jim-tomsula">Quarterback Colin Kaepernick officially benched by 49ers coach Jim Tomsula</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/nov/05/the-class-of-2012-learned-to-be-stars-rather-than-quarterbacks">Continue reading...</a>NFLIndianapolis ColtsSeattle SeahawksWashingtonMiami DolphinsUS sportsSportSan Francisco 49ersThu, 05 Nov 2015 10:00:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/nov/05/the-class-of-2012-learned-to-be-stars-rather-than-quarterbacksPhotograph: Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty ImagesLes Carpenter2015-11-05T10:00:07ZChip Kelly's Philadelphia Eagles Experiment goes awryhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/oct/05/chip-kellys-philadelphia-eagles-experiment-goes-awry
<p>After the loss to Washington, the Philadelphia Eagles have dropped to 1-3 and are in last place, running back DeMarco Murray is disgruntled and fans are upset. Could Chip Kelly’s experiment already be in jeopardy?<br></p><p>So much for faith in Philadelphia, at least among football fans. There were some hopes that last week’s win over the New York Jets signalled that Chip Kelly’s plan was beginning to take shape after a tumultuous offseason and a 0-2 start. Instead Sunday’s comeback win turned to <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/04/nfl-round-up-kirk-cousins-and-jay-cutler-show-signs-of-life">backbreaking loss</a> to Washington has dropped their record to 1-3, 0-2 against teams in their division. They are in last place in the NFC East and they have earned their spot.<br></p><p>Sunday’s game between the Eagles and their offensively named opponents was a battle between desperate franchises. There were no moral victories to be had and whatever team lost to the other would have to face well-deserved public embarrassment. Despite the fact that Washington was starting interception machine Kirk Cousins at quarterback, it was Philadelphia that ended up faltering. <br></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DeMarco Murray: 40 touches in 3 games He averaged 28 offensive touches per game last season, most in NFL <a href="http://t.co/w7ZYgPeLYC">pic.twitter.com/w7ZYgPeLYC</a></p><p>You ain’t Russell Wilson, bro </p><p><em>— </em><em>Green Bay Packers linebacker <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13811479/clay-matthews-green-bay-packers-shouts-aint-russell-wilson-colin-kaepernick-san-francisco-49ers">Clay Matthews</a> to Colin Kaepernick after a late game sacking on the San Francisco 49ers quarterback in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 17-3 win.</em></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The easiest TD of Adrian Peterson's career. <a href="http://t.co/O0G2hjpjXy">pic.twitter.com/O0G2hjpjXy</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/oct/05/chip-kellys-philadelphia-eagles-experiment-goes-awry">Continue reading...</a>NFLSportUS sportsPhiladelphia EaglesWashingtonTampa Bay BuccaneersMiami DolphinsNew York JetsDenver BroncosNew England PatriotsArizona CardinalsChicago BearsIndianapolis ColtsMinnesota VikingsOakland RaidersMon, 05 Oct 2015 11:52:29 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/oct/05/chip-kellys-philadelphia-eagles-experiment-goes-awryPhotograph: Geoff Burke/USA Today SportsPhotograph: Geoff Burke/USA Today SportsHunter Felt2015-10-05T11:52:29ZLuck sucks and the Jets are rampant: it's time for NFL fans to panichttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/sep/22/luck-sucks-and-the-jets-are-rampant-its-time-for-nfl-fans-to-panic
<p>Now that a whole 12.5% of the regular season is gone we can worry about the teams off to bad starts and ponder the Super Bowl odds of the teams that have gone off well<br></p><p>After one week of NFL action is in the books each year, we’re told not to PANIC or FREAK OUT about the results of single games. Fine. It’s an unnatural request of sports fans, as the entire act of rooting for a sports team is an irrational act, but whatever: fine. <br></p><p>But now that two weeks of football are complete, a full 12.5% of the season? Oh, there can be freaking out. We can panic about the teams off to bad starts and ponder the Super Bowl odds of the teams that have gotten off to surprisingly good starts. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/sep/21/andrew-luck-throws-three-interceptions-as-jets-smother-colts">Andrew Luck throws three interceptions as Jets smother Colts</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/sep/22/luck-sucks-and-the-jets-are-rampant-its-time-for-nfl-fans-to-panic">Continue reading...</a>NFLIndianapolis ColtsNew York JetsUS sportsSportTue, 22 Sep 2015 12:10:44 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/sep/22/luck-sucks-and-the-jets-are-rampant-its-time-for-nfl-fans-to-panicPhotograph: Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesDJ Gallo2015-09-22T12:10:44ZAFC South preview: are the Texans wasting JJ Watt's best years?https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/sep/03/afc-south-preview-are-the-texans-wasting-jj-watts-best-years
<p>The Colts and Texans have two of the best players in the league but do they have the supporting cast to match their talent?<br></p><p>For Luck’s first couple of NFL seasons Indianapolis were everybody’s surprise. General manager Ryan Grigson did a great job of uncovering gems, drafting smart and finding players nobody else wanted. Luck did a wonderful job of making everything work, improving every year and showing all the promise that soon he will be one of the top two or three quarterbacks in the league. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/sep/03/afc-south-preview-are-the-texans-wasting-jj-watts-best-years">Continue reading...</a>NFLHouston TexansIndianapolis ColtsJacksonville JaguarsTennessee TitansUS sportsSportThu, 03 Sep 2015 08:00:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/sep/03/afc-south-preview-are-the-texans-wasting-jj-watts-best-yearsPhotograph: Trask Smith/ZUMA Press/CorbisPhotograph: Trask Smith/ZUMA Press/CorbisLes Carpenter2015-09-03T08:00:04ZNFL free-agency grades: New York Jets top the AFChttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/mar/25/nfl-free-agency-grades-new-york-jets-top-the-afc
<p>The Jets now boast an awesome, if familiar, secondary but teams such as the Broncos, Patriots and Chiefs have failed to improve this off-season<br></p><p> <strong>Buffalo Bills</strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/mar/25/nfl-free-agency-grades-new-york-jets-top-the-afc">Continue reading...</a>NFLNew York JetsBuffalo BillsNew England PatriotsMiami DolphinsBaltimore RavensPittsburgh SteelersCincinnati BengalsCleveland BrownsTennessee TitansHouston TexansJacksonville JaguarsIndianapolis ColtsSan Diego ChargersOakland RaidersKansas City ChiefsDenver BroncosSportUS sportsWed, 25 Mar 2015 09:00:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/mar/25/nfl-free-agency-grades-new-york-jets-top-the-afcPhotograph: Rich Schulz/APPhotograph: Rich Schulz/APPaolo Bandini2015-03-25T09:00:07ZNFL Talkboard and Pick Six: ailing Aaron Rodgers walking into battle zonehttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jan/16/nfl-talkboard-and-pick-six-ailing-aaron-rodgers-walking-into-battle-zone
<p>The Super Bowl is almost upon us and it’s hard to look past the favourites in the AFC and NFC Championship games<br></p><p>Can we really be here already? Just three games remain in the NFL season (unless you’re counting the Pro Bowl … which we’re not), and frankly they have their work cut out living up to the highly entertaining playoff match-ups that we’ve seen so far. </p><p> Both of the top seeds are still in the running, and favoured by the bookies to meet in the Super Bowl. That has happened only twice in the last 20 years, but the most recent occasion was last February. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jan/16/nfl-talkboard-and-pick-six-ailing-aaron-rodgers-walking-into-battle-zone">Continue reading...</a>NFLUS sportsGreen Bay PackersNew England PatriotsSeattle SeahawksIndianapolis ColtsSportFri, 16 Jan 2015 12:23:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jan/16/nfl-talkboard-and-pick-six-ailing-aaron-rodgers-walking-into-battle-zonePhotograph: Andrew Weber/USA Today SportsPhotograph: Andrew Weber/USA Today SportsPaolo Bandini2015-01-16T12:23:01ZThe day Peyton Manning finally looked oldhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jan/12/the-day-peyton-manning-finally-looked-old
<p>The Broncos are out of the playoffs, and their quarterback looked like a man whose body could no longer keep up with his brain<br></p><p>Did we just witness the final act of Peyton Manning’s NFL career? It is a question that he was reluctant to consider on Sunday evening. “I need to digest this game first,” said the Denver quarterback in the aftermath of a 24-13 playoff defeat to his former team, Indianapolis. “I guess I can’t give that simple answer.”</p><p> Pressed to expand on his thought process, Manning offered several good reasons why he should not rush to a decision. “What if you’re not as healthy?” he asked, rhetorically. “What if certain coaches leave? I can’t answer every what-if situation. I think I’ll have to take some time to see how I feel, see how I feel physically.”</p><p>Peyton's first 12 games this season: 36 TDs, 9 INTs. Last 5 games, including today: 4 TDs, 6 INTs.</p><p>Ladies and Edelmen, "The Pass" shirt. <a href="http://t.co/XU2ZHzvQ9X">http://t.co/XU2ZHzvQ9X</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tshirttyme?src=hash">#tshirttyme</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gopats?src=hash">#gopats</a> <a href="http://t.co/wC6qgXrhJc">pic.twitter.com/wC6qgXrhJc</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jan/12/the-day-peyton-manning-finally-looked-old">Continue reading...</a>NFLGreen Bay PackersDallas CowboysSeattle SeahawksCarolina PanthersBaltimore RavensNew England PatriotsDenver BroncosIndianapolis ColtsUS sportsSportMon, 12 Jan 2015 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jan/12/the-day-peyton-manning-finally-looked-oldPhotograph: Chris Humphreys/USA Today SportsPhotograph: Chris Humphreys/USA Today SportsPaolo Bandini and Max Whittle2015-01-12T09:00:00ZNFL Wild Card Weekend: Did the officials or the Cowboys kill the Lions?https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jan/05/nfl-wild-card-weekend-did-the-officials-or-the-cowboys-kill-the-lions
<p>It was business as usual for Andy Dalton and Joe Flacco as the playoffs started but the Cowboys are showing new steel</p><p>Dallas celebrated. Detroit remonstrated. The rest of us watched open-mouthed. So bewildering was the final chapter of Wild Card weekend that even the players themselves seemed to have a hard time taking it all in. “This doesn’t make sense,” said Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh at his post-game press conference. And then he broke down into tears. </p><p>His team had lost, 24-20, but contained within that scoreline were so many narratives that it is hard to know where to begin. Most obviously, this was an occasion when Tony Romo shed his label as a playoff choker – playing poorly for much of the first half, as his Cowboys slid to a 14-0 deficit, but holding his nerve when it mattered most as he delivered the game-winning touchdown pass to Terrance Williams.</p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ColtsNation?src=hash">#ColtsNation</a> Sergio Brown sums up the feeling in the locker room <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CINvsIND?src=hash">#CINvsIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/FQR2upiJNC">https://t.co/FQR2upiJNC</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jan/05/nfl-wild-card-weekend-did-the-officials-or-the-cowboys-kill-the-lions">Continue reading...</a>NFLCincinnati BengalsIndianapolis ColtsPittsburgh SteelersBaltimore RavensDallas CowboysDetroit LionsArizona CardinalsCarolina PanthersUS sportsSportMon, 05 Jan 2015 09:00:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jan/05/nfl-wild-card-weekend-did-the-officials-or-the-cowboys-kill-the-lionsPhotograph: Brandon Wade/APPhotograph: Brandon Wade/APPaolo Bandini and Max Whittle2015-01-05T09:00:12ZNFL Talkboard and Pick Six: who takes Wild Card weekend?https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jan/02/nfl-talkboard-and-pick-six-who-takes-wild-card-weekend
<p>The Lions have a chance against the Cowboys, while the Panthers’ run is set to continue<br></p><p>Happy New Year, everybody! And Happy Playoffs! A “whole new season”, as you might have heard some players and pundits claim in the last few weeks. That might not strictly be true for the pros, but it certainly is right here on the NFL Talkboard, where our Pick Six contest is succeeded by Pick The Playoffs. After the Super Bowl, we will combine scores from both to establish our overall champion.</p><p> For now I can tell you that the Pick Six finished in a three-way tie. <strong>aojigbo</strong> led the way going into week 17, but a score of just three out of six allowed <strong>DevonGiant</strong> and <strong>Dsizzle2013</strong> to pull level. Each called 71 games correctly out of a possible 102 over the course of the season – giving them a remarkable average of 4.17 per week. Do join me in a virtual standing ovation for all three. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jan/02/nfl-talkboard-and-pick-six-who-takes-wild-card-weekend">Continue reading...</a>NFLIndianapolis ColtsArizona CardinalsCarolina PanthersCincinnati BengalsPittsburgh SteelersBaltimore RavensDallas CowboysDetroit LionsUS sportsSportFri, 02 Jan 2015 09:00:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jan/02/nfl-talkboard-and-pick-six-who-takes-wild-card-weekendPhotograph: Jim Brown/USA Today SportsPhotograph: Jim Brown/USA Today SportsPaolo Bandini2015-01-02T09:00:07ZNFL Talkboard and Pick Six week 16: Saints ready to fallhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/dec/19/nfl-talkboard-and-pick-six-week-16-saints-ready-to-fall
<p>Previews of the weekend games, including a battle for the NFC South and the mystery of DeMarco Murray’s hand<br></p><p>With two weeks left to go in the regular season, no fewer than 21 teams are, mathematically-speaking, still in with a chance of reaching the playoffs.
<strike>
Less
</strike> More importantly, exactly 92 people have a shout of winning our Pick Six contest. Overall standings will be posted shortly, but for now I can tell you that <strong>aojigbo</strong> and <strong>DevonGiant</strong> continue to share first place. </p><p> The competition is hotting up, though, as we enter the final stretch – with no fewer than 10 people calling all six games correctly last week. Please join me in raising a digital toast to <strong>AnythingButPenalties, bms355, Chappers67, ciuffoleo, Dougal, GhostDog808, JohnJesseWood, lebronfromdowntown, MisterHorse </strong>and<strong> TedBovis. </strong>And when you are done with that, get on and see if you can match them by picking this week’s games:</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/dec/19/nfl-talkboard-and-pick-six-week-16-saints-ready-to-fall">Continue reading...</a>NFLNew Orleans SaintsUS sportsSportDallas CowboysIndianapolis ColtsDenver BroncosAtlanta FalconsCleveland BrownsCarolina PanthersMinnesota VikingsMiami DolphinsKansas City ChiefsPittsburgh SteelersFri, 19 Dec 2014 09:00:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/dec/19/nfl-talkboard-and-pick-six-week-16-saints-ready-to-fallPhotograph: Derick E Hingle/USA Today SportsPhotograph: Derick E Hingle/USA Today SportsPaolo Bandini2014-12-19T09:00:02ZPeyton Manning breaks another record but Aaron Rodgers is the NFL's best QBhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/21/peyton-manning-record-aaron-rodgers-nfl-best-quarterback
<p>Manning’s achievements should not be underestimated, but Rodgers has been the NFL’s form quarterback since 2011</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/20/peyton-manning-nfl-touchdown-record-history">Manning cements place in history</a></li><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/20/peyton-manning-broncos-keep-away-celebration-record-breaking-touchdown">Celebration was pre-planned</a></li></ul><p>It would be easy to take what Peyton Manning does for granted. Not a year goes by without the Broncos quarterback shattering another few records, from the obscure – no signal caller past or present can match his tally of six games with 400+ passing yards and no interceptions – right through to the kind he claimed this weekend, when he became the NFL’s all-time leader for <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/20/peyton-manning-nfl-touchdown-record-history">most career touchdown passes</a>. </p><p>Peyton Manning takes page from Wilt's book- photo with Demaryius Thomas of record 509 TD ball before Canton-bound <a href="http://t.co/hyeBDF5ZWO">pic.twitter.com/hyeBDF5ZWO</a></p><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/ddockett">@ddockett</a> finishes a game long conversation with Raiders fans. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AZvsOAK?src=hash">#AZvsOAK</a> <a href="http://t.co/TqLiHElNjT">pic.twitter.com/TqLiHElNjT</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/21/peyton-manning-record-aaron-rodgers-nfl-best-quarterback">Continue reading...</a>NFLDenver BroncosSt Louis RamsSeattle SeahawksGreen Bay PackersChicago BearsNew Orleans SaintsDallas CowboysArizona CardinalsIndianapolis ColtsDetroit LionsUS sportsSportTue, 21 Oct 2014 16:29:21 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/21/peyton-manning-record-aaron-rodgers-nfl-best-quarterbackPhotograph: Brennan Linsley/APPeyton Manning broke the record for most NFL touchdown passes.Photograph: Brennan Linsley/APPeyton Manning broke the record for most NFL touchdown passes.Paolo Bandiniand Max Whittle2014-10-21T16:29:21ZNFL Talkboard and Pick Six week seven: Kaepernick v Manning as 49ers face Broncoshttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/oct/17/nfl-talkboard-pick-six-week-seven-kaepernick-manning-49ers-broncos
<p>Previews of key games in NFL week seven, including Bengals v Colts, plus your chance to take part in our Pick Six contest</p><p>This was the week in which Joseph Randle got arrested for <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/15/dallas-cowboys-joseph-randle-not-suspended-shoplifting-arrest">allegedly trying to shoplift underwear and cologne</a> from a suburban mall. </p><p>The mind boggles as to why an NFL player with a base salary of $495,000 would engage in such activity, but experience tells us that he is <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2043689/David-Gea-caught-shoplifting-1-19-Krispy-Kreme-doughnut-Tesco.html">not the first professional sportsman to forget to stop by the cash register</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/oct/17/nfl-talkboard-pick-six-week-seven-kaepernick-manning-49ers-broncos">Continue reading...</a>NFLTennessee TitansWashingtonCincinnati BengalsIndianapolis ColtsMiami DolphinsChicago BearsNew Orleans SaintsDetroit LionsSan Francisco 49ersDenver BroncosHouston TexansPittsburgh SteelersUS sportsSportFri, 17 Oct 2014 09:00:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2014/oct/17/nfl-talkboard-pick-six-week-seven-kaepernick-manning-49ers-broncosPhotograph: Kirby Lee/USA Today SportsSan Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the hardest to stop in the NFL?Photograph: Kirby Lee/USA Today SportsSan Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the hardest to stop in the NFL?Paolo Bandini2014-10-17T09:00:04Z